Meghan Markle and Harry blasted for Archie’s private christening ‘can’t have it both ways'

MEGHAN MARKLE and Prince Harry have been slammed after royal sources claim the pair are demanding a private christening for baby Archie - days after it was revealed taxpayers forked out millions to fund their new home.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to be planning the ceremony next weekend away from the public and the cameras, despite accepting £2.4million from public coffers to renovate Frogmore Cottage. Although unconfirmed by the Palace, royal insiders believe the ceremony for Meghan and Harry’s first born is set to take place on July 6, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, where they married last year. Penny Junor, royal author and Harry’s biographer, has accused the Duke and Duchess of double standards if the public are shunned from the ceremony.

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Ms Junor said the couple “can’t have it both ways” and if they want privacy they should pay for it themselves.

She told The Times: “They can’t have it both ways. Either they are totally private, pay for their own house and disappear out of view or play the game the way it is played.

“Seeing Archie and his godparents arriving at the christening is what people are interested in; it isn’t baring your baby’s soul, just giving the public who love and support them a crumb to enjoy.

“If they want it to be really private, hold it in a parish church, not St George’s Chapel where royal ceremonies are held.

Meghan and Harry could hold a private christening for Archie (Image: GETTY)

“Many people don’t understand why they are paying nearly £3m for Harry and Meghan’s house, so in terms of public relations it would be a good quid pro quo for the pair to briefly show Archie off.”

Sources close to Meghan and Harry say they regard the seventh-in-line to the throne as a “private citizen”.

Harry has previously stated it is a “tricky balancing act” between private life and royal duties.

A friend of the Sussex’s said: “Privacy is more precious to Harry than to almost any of the other member of the Royal Family.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are understood to be planning the ceremony next weekend (Image: GETTY)

“As Archie is not an HRH he feels he has every right to strictly police his son’s privacy.”

The private baptism if it takes place will be in stark contrast to that held by Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge for their three children.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge allowed cameras at all three christenings for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Royal fans were able to see the guests arrive and get a first glimpse of the eagerly anticipated godparents, before holding private services.

Prince William and Kate allowed camera’s at all three christenings (Image: GETTY)

Frogmore cottage renovations cost 2.4million (Image: GETTY)

Earlier this week the cost of the royals came under severe scrutiny - the annual Sovereign Grant was used on the Meghan and Harry’s residence to turn five properties back into a single residence for the couple.

All fixtures and fittings were paid for privately by the Meghan and Harry.

Official figures revealed the monarchy cost the taxpayer £67 million during 2018-19 - an increase of almost £20 million on the previous financial year.